I was in Cebu City, Philippines a couple of weeks ago and had a wonderful time connecting and re-connecting with Pastors during a seminar and renewal set. But two different people back to back commented that my hair is not what it used to be????? What????? The implication is that I am receding. Joy and the rest of my family don't see it, but maybe that is because they are too close to me. For my whole life I had always been told I look like a particular uncle... a bald uncle. I'm going to be praying against this balding threat for sure!
But I can't be too depressed by that because just yesterday, I tried on some pants in my now normal size 36. I had been a 38 for years (and even a 40, ouch!) but have been happy about the 36 for well over a year now. They were too big! Yes!!! I tried the 34 and they were a perfect fit. Thinking that this item might be running big, I tried others on as well and even went to another store. 34 is my new size! Now if I can just keep it that way (more exercise and less rice). I was a 32 when Joy and I married.
If I had to choose between less hair or a big waist, what would it be... hmmmm. Joy, honey, what do you think? :-)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
$181.30
I’m not sure what the Widow’s Mites (small copper coins) from the Bible would be worth today, but seeing her place them in the offering touched the heart of Jesus the same way sacrificial gifts no matter what their size still do today. He taught us that it meant more then the lavish gifts the other people were giving with tremendous fanfare because it was both sacrificial and done with humility. (Luke 21) He said that what is given out of lack is more precious then what is given out of abundance.
A public elementary school in San Diego recently held a bake sale organized by a child-hood friend of Pst Joy’s. It was for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. When I received the proceeds in zip-lock bags, the biggest denomination given was worn $1 bills, there were a few larger bills there too, but the bag weighed well over a pound because of all the nickels(5c), dimes(10c), quarters(25c) and even pennies(1c). I was told that one lady paid $60 for a brownie!
$181.30 in mighty mites!!!
For those of us who have been given an assignment by God which includes raising funds, we sometimes feel disheartened by the sheer number of doors we have to knock on in order to finally see one open. If the human reasoning takes over amidst disappointment, it is very easy to begin to think that few of God’s Church people either care or follow His promptings to participate.
I for one have been mightily encouraged by the response of God’s people in the last few weeks. From the bake sale to the donations of $10, to the donations over $1.000, all sacrificial, Spirit led and pleasing to God! Three churches, eight individuals and one public school responded. Praise God!!!
We continue to work in Barangay Sto. Nino in efforts to help the victim children of Typhoon Ondoy. We aren’t calling it disaster relief anymore but it is a Church planting ministry. Mostly what we are conducting now are Bible studies and feeding programs along with other activities as the Lord leads us to touch individual families. We are believing God for US$300 per month specifically designated for this ministry.
For those of you out there like that widow who are limited in resources (that means most of us), all that I ever ask is that you help us by praying and if the Lord asks you to give just pennies or dollars, do that and He will be faithful to do the rest. His accounting is perfect and His network of awesome people is never ending!
A public elementary school in San Diego recently held a bake sale organized by a child-hood friend of Pst Joy’s. It was for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. When I received the proceeds in zip-lock bags, the biggest denomination given was worn $1 bills, there were a few larger bills there too, but the bag weighed well over a pound because of all the nickels(5c), dimes(10c), quarters(25c) and even pennies(1c). I was told that one lady paid $60 for a brownie!
$181.30 in mighty mites!!!
For those of us who have been given an assignment by God which includes raising funds, we sometimes feel disheartened by the sheer number of doors we have to knock on in order to finally see one open. If the human reasoning takes over amidst disappointment, it is very easy to begin to think that few of God’s Church people either care or follow His promptings to participate.
I for one have been mightily encouraged by the response of God’s people in the last few weeks. From the bake sale to the donations of $10, to the donations over $1.000, all sacrificial, Spirit led and pleasing to God! Three churches, eight individuals and one public school responded. Praise God!!!
We continue to work in Barangay Sto. Nino in efforts to help the victim children of Typhoon Ondoy. We aren’t calling it disaster relief anymore but it is a Church planting ministry. Mostly what we are conducting now are Bible studies and feeding programs along with other activities as the Lord leads us to touch individual families. We are believing God for US$300 per month specifically designated for this ministry.
For those of you out there like that widow who are limited in resources (that means most of us), all that I ever ask is that you help us by praying and if the Lord asks you to give just pennies or dollars, do that and He will be faithful to do the rest. His accounting is perfect and His network of awesome people is never ending!
Friday, October 23, 2009
A Chosen One...
Ethan was riding in the back seat of the car again, his favorite place as we were going home from school. I'm certain he is the only Asian looking kid with a white driver in Manila...
He took up position where he could look me eye to eye in the rear view mirror and said, "Dad, I have something to tell you. I am the chosen one." I was so surprised, more by the serious look on his face then by his statement. I was trying to figure out what movie he got it from when he spoke again. "Dad, Jesus has chosen me to do things. He has given me power." I began to realize that the part about Jesus probably didn't come from a movie. The rest of the conversation was spent probing him about where he got that idea from. It turns out that he doesn't think he is the only chosen one, but he also doesn't think that there are many others.
Ethans words remind me of a scripture that is often quoted but hard to understand. Matthew 22:14 (NIV) "For many are invited, but few are chosen." This comes from the parable which Jesus shared about a King who prepared a banquet and those who were invited did not come. The King told His servants to then go out and invite just about anyone they could find. The parable further states that one of those who were brought in from off the street got in without wearing the proper clothing and was cast out. He then ends with this statement that many are invited but few are chosen. For my purpose in this post, allow me to simplify...
God has prepared His Kingdom for us and we have been invited to partake both in this lifetime and more importantly, eternally. He has given us His word which gives us clear direction and provision to join. Many have received the invitation but few have taken the necessary steps to be chosen participants. They either don't show up or show up not properly prepared.
It is important in order to gain the favor, blessing and even the salvation that God has provided for us to not only be invited but also to be chosen.
There is a different element to this that I want to explore and it pertains to those who already have assurance that they are saved... heaven bound through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In the book of Haggai, the prophet made it clear through it's first 3 prophecies that all of God's children are blessed to some degree. I completely agree that anyone who has asked Jesus Christ to be their King is blessed. However, Haggai also makes it clear that it is possible to be "more" blessed then what you are. He explains that if we will build God's house, that we will receive increased blessings mostly in the form of our work being more productive. In today's terms, our businesses, jobs and investments will be more fruitful when we dedicate ourselves to building the Church. Haggai's audience were the people who under Nehimiah's earlier leadership had built the wall of the city after returning from the 70 year captivity in Babylon. They had acheived success in this and were enjoying living in nice houses but had neglected the Temple. In the 3 prophecies, Haggai addressed specifically, Zerubbabel the Governer, Joshua the High Priest and the people. God said among other things based on their obedience to the call to build the temple, "I am with you," "My Spirit remains among you," and "I will bless you."
But when the 4th and final prophecy in the book is given, it is specifically only for Zerubbabel. The nature of the message is completely different. Rather then talking about local issues, the Lord speaks of international issues. Nations fighting and falling and the hand of the Lord protecting Israel. And then God says, "I HAVE CHOSEN YOU." He further says that Zerubbabel will be like a signet ring on God's finger.
Out of all those people, God only chose the governer. Why? I believe that it is because the governer had concern beyond himself. He was not bound by his own selfish ambition to increase his personal family blessings, but he was concerned about the blessings for every family. God blessed everyone who would build His house, but God only Chose the one whose perspective was wide. Why not the Priest? I believe that it is because the Priest's concern was limited to the Temple. Can I say this? The same way most Pastors today are limited in their concern only to the Church they serve.
Pastors, Politicians, Business Owners, Employees, Church Members... If you want to be Chosen by God to have the authority and favor that being like a signet ring on God's finger would represent, you will have to look beyond the walls of your Church and start to care for, pastor an entire neighborhood, a city, a state, a nation and the nations of the world! Many are invited but few are chosen. It is time that we care about the prosperity and well being of everyone within our sphere of influence and not just our own family and fellow Church members. The level of influence God will entrust to you depends on your posture according to example of Zerubbabel. This is a man who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ because he was incredibly blessed!
It is good enough if you have normal aspirations to simply be a normal person or a normal pastor. But I hope this is not good enough for you! I pray that you will reach for influence, reach for the finger of God, reach to touch humankind and make a difference in this life for as many people as you possibly can! Then you will be able to say the same thing that Ethan is believing for his own young life with a slight adjustment: "I am a chosen one of God!"
He took up position where he could look me eye to eye in the rear view mirror and said, "Dad, I have something to tell you. I am the chosen one." I was so surprised, more by the serious look on his face then by his statement. I was trying to figure out what movie he got it from when he spoke again. "Dad, Jesus has chosen me to do things. He has given me power." I began to realize that the part about Jesus probably didn't come from a movie. The rest of the conversation was spent probing him about where he got that idea from. It turns out that he doesn't think he is the only chosen one, but he also doesn't think that there are many others.
Ethans words remind me of a scripture that is often quoted but hard to understand. Matthew 22:14 (NIV) "For many are invited, but few are chosen." This comes from the parable which Jesus shared about a King who prepared a banquet and those who were invited did not come. The King told His servants to then go out and invite just about anyone they could find. The parable further states that one of those who were brought in from off the street got in without wearing the proper clothing and was cast out. He then ends with this statement that many are invited but few are chosen. For my purpose in this post, allow me to simplify...
God has prepared His Kingdom for us and we have been invited to partake both in this lifetime and more importantly, eternally. He has given us His word which gives us clear direction and provision to join. Many have received the invitation but few have taken the necessary steps to be chosen participants. They either don't show up or show up not properly prepared.
It is important in order to gain the favor, blessing and even the salvation that God has provided for us to not only be invited but also to be chosen.
There is a different element to this that I want to explore and it pertains to those who already have assurance that they are saved... heaven bound through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In the book of Haggai, the prophet made it clear through it's first 3 prophecies that all of God's children are blessed to some degree. I completely agree that anyone who has asked Jesus Christ to be their King is blessed. However, Haggai also makes it clear that it is possible to be "more" blessed then what you are. He explains that if we will build God's house, that we will receive increased blessings mostly in the form of our work being more productive. In today's terms, our businesses, jobs and investments will be more fruitful when we dedicate ourselves to building the Church. Haggai's audience were the people who under Nehimiah's earlier leadership had built the wall of the city after returning from the 70 year captivity in Babylon. They had acheived success in this and were enjoying living in nice houses but had neglected the Temple. In the 3 prophecies, Haggai addressed specifically, Zerubbabel the Governer, Joshua the High Priest and the people. God said among other things based on their obedience to the call to build the temple, "I am with you," "My Spirit remains among you," and "I will bless you."
But when the 4th and final prophecy in the book is given, it is specifically only for Zerubbabel. The nature of the message is completely different. Rather then talking about local issues, the Lord speaks of international issues. Nations fighting and falling and the hand of the Lord protecting Israel. And then God says, "I HAVE CHOSEN YOU." He further says that Zerubbabel will be like a signet ring on God's finger.
Out of all those people, God only chose the governer. Why? I believe that it is because the governer had concern beyond himself. He was not bound by his own selfish ambition to increase his personal family blessings, but he was concerned about the blessings for every family. God blessed everyone who would build His house, but God only Chose the one whose perspective was wide. Why not the Priest? I believe that it is because the Priest's concern was limited to the Temple. Can I say this? The same way most Pastors today are limited in their concern only to the Church they serve.
Pastors, Politicians, Business Owners, Employees, Church Members... If you want to be Chosen by God to have the authority and favor that being like a signet ring on God's finger would represent, you will have to look beyond the walls of your Church and start to care for, pastor an entire neighborhood, a city, a state, a nation and the nations of the world! Many are invited but few are chosen. It is time that we care about the prosperity and well being of everyone within our sphere of influence and not just our own family and fellow Church members. The level of influence God will entrust to you depends on your posture according to example of Zerubbabel. This is a man who ended up in the lineage of Jesus Christ because he was incredibly blessed!
It is good enough if you have normal aspirations to simply be a normal person or a normal pastor. But I hope this is not good enough for you! I pray that you will reach for influence, reach for the finger of God, reach to touch humankind and make a difference in this life for as many people as you possibly can! Then you will be able to say the same thing that Ethan is believing for his own young life with a slight adjustment: "I am a chosen one of God!"
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Help = Harvest
It's Help time and it's Harvest time!
We praise God for the help that we have been able to provide and continue to provide to flood relief victims in the Philippines! We are grateful that God allowed us to be here and be a part of it. We are equally thankful that the Lord allowed dozens of those overseas who we are connected with to share in this victory by participating in prayer and in the sacrificial giving of precious resources and many are continuing in this effort! Generous donations have come from the USA, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia and even from Indonesia which has also experienced tremendous crisis. The people of God are awesome!
This mission is yet another confirmation that the Harvest comes as the Church Helps people. Not only in times of catastophe but in all seasons. It is true, however that crisis blows open doors that previously were not fully open.
A friend of mine recently sent me a message saying that "just because doors are closed, that does not always mean that they are locked." He challenged my perception with that message and I began to check the closed doors in my life. I am reporting to you that I am amazed at connections, fruitfulness, blessing, increase and opportunity which we have experienced in the last few weeks simply because I believed that word from God through my friend and decided to actually check those doors rather then giving up when I saw a closed door. Thank you Stan! God used you Brother!
Let me encourage you today to not shy away from closed doors using the "open and closed door" scriptures as excuses to be lax or shy. We are surrounded with opportunities and we must lay hold of them. A door which is truly closed is locked. When it won't open, move on. There are plenty of other unlocked and therefore open doors.
One of the outreach efforts that Tabernacle of Faith Churches conducted this week-end was a medical mission on Saturday specifically at the San Juan facility. Hundreds were treated by medical, dental and eye doctors. In the waiting times, every patient was presented with the gospel message and every person was told of the love that we the body of Christ have for them. At the San Juan 8:30am service yesterday, attendance was up and more then 30 people publicly dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ! Awesome!
We praise God for the help that we have been able to provide and continue to provide to flood relief victims in the Philippines! We are grateful that God allowed us to be here and be a part of it. We are equally thankful that the Lord allowed dozens of those overseas who we are connected with to share in this victory by participating in prayer and in the sacrificial giving of precious resources and many are continuing in this effort! Generous donations have come from the USA, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia and even from Indonesia which has also experienced tremendous crisis. The people of God are awesome!
This mission is yet another confirmation that the Harvest comes as the Church Helps people. Not only in times of catastophe but in all seasons. It is true, however that crisis blows open doors that previously were not fully open.
A friend of mine recently sent me a message saying that "just because doors are closed, that does not always mean that they are locked." He challenged my perception with that message and I began to check the closed doors in my life. I am reporting to you that I am amazed at connections, fruitfulness, blessing, increase and opportunity which we have experienced in the last few weeks simply because I believed that word from God through my friend and decided to actually check those doors rather then giving up when I saw a closed door. Thank you Stan! God used you Brother!
Let me encourage you today to not shy away from closed doors using the "open and closed door" scriptures as excuses to be lax or shy. We are surrounded with opportunities and we must lay hold of them. A door which is truly closed is locked. When it won't open, move on. There are plenty of other unlocked and therefore open doors.
One of the outreach efforts that Tabernacle of Faith Churches conducted this week-end was a medical mission on Saturday specifically at the San Juan facility. Hundreds were treated by medical, dental and eye doctors. In the waiting times, every patient was presented with the gospel message and every person was told of the love that we the body of Christ have for them. At the San Juan 8:30am service yesterday, attendance was up and more then 30 people publicly dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ! Awesome!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Relief and School Supplies
During the storms when we couldn't safely go out, one of our main prayers was "Lord, open doors permanently." Another prayer was "Show us how to help in deeper ways... not just surface level."
My conviction is that "disaster relief" ministry should always lead to long term relationships and result in touching the lives of people. My experience in the Philippines and in Indonesia however, is that longevity of ministry which starts with disaster relief, often does not occur. Usually, the resources that are supernatural and precious are scattered all over the place but intentional and consistant placement of resources would yield much greater results.
That door that we prayed about indeed opened. It is near two of our facilities and in a neighborhood with leadership who are open to our help. This means that they are open to us becoming involved in the lives of the people on an on-going basis. We are already experiencing great results from a spiritual as well as a physical perspective.
Sto. Nino is a Barangay of Marikina. A Barangay is a village type of suburb of a city. The city of Marikina is a part of Metro Manila. A Barangay has a governing "Barangay Captain," several Barangay's would then come under the leadership of other Council people who then come under the Mayor, etc.
This flood has revealed much trash. Not only physical but also political. I won't go into too much detail so that I don't cause unnecessary offence to any potential readers of this post, but I will try to explain.
The political leaders who are responsible for Sto. Nino, Marikina are a part of the opposing political party which is in current control of the nation and we are approaching an election time. If your politicians are in favor with the administration, you will receive quick and ample aid. If they are not in favor, if you receive any aid at all, it will be slow and not enough. SAD!!!
This not only affects direct government aid but it also affects the aid which potentially comes from NGO's. The caravan's that we have seen from organizations such as Unicef, the US Military, World Vision and others have been accompanied not only by local security forces but also by political aides. In other words, these organizations are sending relief to the places that the high up politicians want the aid to go. I am sure that the NGO's are aware of this and are not trying to be a part of this kind of thing and it is understandable that they must work with the system for the sake of maximum effectiveness of a large organization. But when we work through the local Church, we don't have to deal so much with the politics and we can simply identify where and how we can best work and just do it. Awesome!
On one additional side note for those of you interested in this background information: One Mayor from another City in Metro Manila cannot get the help he needs to remove trash. One load of trash using official garbage trucks costs the city about $150. Because he is a part of the "opposition", he is having to find this money to clean up his city. Trash left causes more then smell... it causes disease. People will get sick and some will die as a result of these politics.
We have been giving the same kind of relief as otherorganizations. Mostly canned goods, distilled water, noodles and rice. In Sto. Nino, they now have a pretty good supply of all of these things coming in from a variety of sources. But what they are literally crying out for that they are not getting and likely will never get at least from government agencies is school supplies. Schooling is one of the largest expenses that a Filipino family has, not just college, but even grade school and up.
The 14 area schools in Marikina will not re-open for another week or two because they need clean up and they are still being used to house dis-placed families. By the time the schools re-open, the 800 kids from Barangay Sto. Nino will need notebooks, pencils, back-packs, rulers and any other supplies they can get. Many will need uniforms and shoes as well. It just depends if their families clothes were swept away or not. Anything paper was completely ruined where
as clothes can be washed.
We are continuing the flow of food, water and medicine but are wanting to emphasize getting these supplies to these precious kids asap.
We are looking for corporations who will donate or help, one school in San Diego is preparing to conduct a back sale even right now. Even if you cannot personally do much, maybe you work for a company that might be able to provide some assistance.
We have people in place who are working for this relief work to become a Church. A permanent light to this community. I'll be telling you more about that in the coming weeks, months, and yes, years. We want to produce fruit, as the scriptures say, which remains.
Thank you for your prayers, for your help and for your consideration!
My conviction is that "disaster relief" ministry should always lead to long term relationships and result in touching the lives of people. My experience in the Philippines and in Indonesia however, is that longevity of ministry which starts with disaster relief, often does not occur. Usually, the resources that are supernatural and precious are scattered all over the place but intentional and consistant placement of resources would yield much greater results.
That door that we prayed about indeed opened. It is near two of our facilities and in a neighborhood with leadership who are open to our help. This means that they are open to us becoming involved in the lives of the people on an on-going basis. We are already experiencing great results from a spiritual as well as a physical perspective.
Sto. Nino is a Barangay of Marikina. A Barangay is a village type of suburb of a city. The city of Marikina is a part of Metro Manila. A Barangay has a governing "Barangay Captain," several Barangay's would then come under the leadership of other Council people who then come under the Mayor, etc.
This flood has revealed much trash. Not only physical but also political. I won't go into too much detail so that I don't cause unnecessary offence to any potential readers of this post, but I will try to explain.
The political leaders who are responsible for Sto. Nino, Marikina are a part of the opposing political party which is in current control of the nation and we are approaching an election time. If your politicians are in favor with the administration, you will receive quick and ample aid. If they are not in favor, if you receive any aid at all, it will be slow and not enough. SAD!!!
This not only affects direct government aid but it also affects the aid which potentially comes from NGO's. The caravan's that we have seen from organizations such as Unicef, the US Military, World Vision and others have been accompanied not only by local security forces but also by political aides. In other words, these organizations are sending relief to the places that the high up politicians want the aid to go. I am sure that the NGO's are aware of this and are not trying to be a part of this kind of thing and it is understandable that they must work with the system for the sake of maximum effectiveness of a large organization. But when we work through the local Church, we don't have to deal so much with the politics and we can simply identify where and how we can best work and just do it. Awesome!
On one additional side note for those of you interested in this background information: One Mayor from another City in Metro Manila cannot get the help he needs to remove trash. One load of trash using official garbage trucks costs the city about $150. Because he is a part of the "opposition", he is having to find this money to clean up his city. Trash left causes more then smell... it causes disease. People will get sick and some will die as a result of these politics.
We have been giving the same kind of relief as otherorganizations. Mostly canned goods, distilled water, noodles and rice. In Sto. Nino, they now have a pretty good supply of all of these things coming in from a variety of sources. But what they are literally crying out for that they are not getting and likely will never get at least from government agencies is school supplies. Schooling is one of the largest expenses that a Filipino family has, not just college, but even grade school and up.
The 14 area schools in Marikina will not re-open for another week or two because they need clean up and they are still being used to house dis-placed families. By the time the schools re-open, the 800 kids from Barangay Sto. Nino will need notebooks, pencils, back-packs, rulers and any other supplies they can get. Many will need uniforms and shoes as well. It just depends if their families clothes were swept away or not. Anything paper was completely ruined where
as clothes can be washed.
We are continuing the flow of food, water and medicine but are wanting to emphasize getting these supplies to these precious kids asap.
We are looking for corporations who will donate or help, one school in San Diego is preparing to conduct a back sale even right now. Even if you cannot personally do much, maybe you work for a company that might be able to provide some assistance.
We have people in place who are working for this relief work to become a Church. A permanent light to this community. I'll be telling you more about that in the coming weeks, months, and yes, years. We want to produce fruit, as the scriptures say, which remains.
Thank you for your prayers, for your help and for your consideration!
After the Flood --- Pictures of Sto. Nino, Marikina
Hi Everyone! Here is a link to pictures of Sto. Nino where we are beginning to ramp up efforts to help 800 kids and their families. I have put captions on many of the pictures which will explain much! I will be posting some videos and further explanations in the next few hours as we go but I wanted to get these to you right away!
http://picasaweb.google.com/stevem.iccj/OndoyMarikinaStoNino?feat=directlink
http://picasaweb.google.com/stevem.iccj/OndoyMarikinaStoNino?feat=directlink
Friday, October 2, 2009
800 Kids
Hi guys! I know I just posted a few minutes ago, but I am getting more information on the kids in the community in Marikina God has opened a door for us to reach. There are 800 of them. We need medicines, food, clothing and school supplies for 800 kids.
My mind is reeling right now because we don't have the kind of resources to provide all that for all of them... But God is giving me a confidence and a peace that He is not only able, but He will do it. This opportunity has been opened because of relationship with local officials who are open to the Gospel.
Thanks for your continued prayers and generousity!!! Miracles are en route! I believe it!
My mind is reeling right now because we don't have the kind of resources to provide all that for all of them... But God is giving me a confidence and a peace that He is not only able, but He will do it. This opportunity has been opened because of relationship with local officials who are open to the Gospel.
Thanks for your continued prayers and generousity!!! Miracles are en route! I believe it!
No New Heavy Flooding Reported
We have no new reports of heavy flooding in the communities we are working in and we are not seeing it on the local news either. God answers prayer! If the storm had dumped heavy rain on us in the night and today, we would have had a much worse disaster! Through the drizzle and wind which isn't too heavy, we are able to continue the flood relief efforts! Praise God!
At a new Bible Study group which is a direct result of flood relief in Marikina last night, 3 men received Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. Heads of households! Amazing! Also in Marikina, we are now responsible for a Childrens program run in conjunction with local government officials which involves feeding and caring for the basic medical needs of an entire community. We will be focusing on this and other such opportunities to care for the people and enlarge God's Kingdom!
We would not be able to do this if it wasn't for your powerful prayers and for your generous support! Thank you so very much!!! May God continue to bless you with the same measure you have blessed others with in Jesus name! Amen!
For those of you in Manila, we are anticipating a powerful service at Gateway Mall Cinema 2 at 11am tomorrow! Please come and join us if you can safely get there.
At a new Bible Study group which is a direct result of flood relief in Marikina last night, 3 men received Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior. Heads of households! Amazing! Also in Marikina, we are now responsible for a Childrens program run in conjunction with local government officials which involves feeding and caring for the basic medical needs of an entire community. We will be focusing on this and other such opportunities to care for the people and enlarge God's Kingdom!
We would not be able to do this if it wasn't for your powerful prayers and for your generous support! Thank you so very much!!! May God continue to bless you with the same measure you have blessed others with in Jesus name! Amen!
For those of you in Manila, we are anticipating a powerful service at Gateway Mall Cinema 2 at 11am tomorrow! Please come and join us if you can safely get there.
What We've Seen Today...
While making our way through Cainta, we saw people shoveling mud out of their second story windows...
We saw that a Shell gasoline station's convenience mart was completely covered with mud to the top of its roof. You would not have been able to perch there to avoid the water although all ground around it is now dry...
Lines of 50+ cars at dozens of car dealers along our route trying to get needed repairs... most of them looking like they were pulled from mud pits...
A large convoy of US military vehicles were making their way out of a hard hit area, undoubtedly on their way to get more supplies. It was just different to see all the blond haired soldiers...
Another funeral procession with a little casket and a weeping family including mom, brothers and sisters...
While standing in line at a grocery store to buy more supplies, watching people buy whatever they can afford, some using cans and jars of coins as they prepare for the possible 6 days of storms and rain that are en route...
It is now 5:07pm on October 2. Reports say that the power company will start turning off power in the riskier areas of Manila starting at 7pm. The media is encouraging everyone to get to their safe homes and evacuate their unsafe homes NOW.
A few of our volunteers are still helping people from the current flood but they are now staying close to where they need to be... We need to live and be healthy for the next round.
Thank you for your prayers!!! This new storm is no longer considered a Super Typhoon but it is considered a Slow Mover... slow movers deposit more rain then fast movers... Please pray for light rain and for the storm to move fast! God answers prayer!!!
We saw that a Shell gasoline station's convenience mart was completely covered with mud to the top of its roof. You would not have been able to perch there to avoid the water although all ground around it is now dry...
Lines of 50+ cars at dozens of car dealers along our route trying to get needed repairs... most of them looking like they were pulled from mud pits...
A large convoy of US military vehicles were making their way out of a hard hit area, undoubtedly on their way to get more supplies. It was just different to see all the blond haired soldiers...
Another funeral procession with a little casket and a weeping family including mom, brothers and sisters...
While standing in line at a grocery store to buy more supplies, watching people buy whatever they can afford, some using cans and jars of coins as they prepare for the possible 6 days of storms and rain that are en route...
It is now 5:07pm on October 2. Reports say that the power company will start turning off power in the riskier areas of Manila starting at 7pm. The media is encouraging everyone to get to their safe homes and evacuate their unsafe homes NOW.
A few of our volunteers are still helping people from the current flood but they are now staying close to where they need to be... We need to live and be healthy for the next round.
Thank you for your prayers!!! This new storm is no longer considered a Super Typhoon but it is considered a Slow Mover... slow movers deposit more rain then fast movers... Please pray for light rain and for the storm to move fast! God answers prayer!!!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Onward Christian Soldier
I was again at the store for relief supplies to distribute and was shopping with the Philippine Army... about 100 soldiers. By the time I reached check out they were ringing up at least 300 carts worth of noodles, rice, canned goods, coffee and more. Outside they had trucks waiting. I asked and they are making another run into Pasig Pateros just down the street from our house. They were covered in dried mud and looked worn but had purpose in their eyes with their mission. There is nothing like it in human terms, but definitely there is nothing like it when accompanied with power and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I have a new song playing in my head from Sunday School days but with more meaning now. “Onward Christian Soldier...”
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